Treats for your mouse

Who's about three inches long (not including tail) and looks forward to snacktime every day? Your mouse, that's who! While nutritionally complete rodent chow and grass hay should make up the basis of your pet's diet, your little guy will always appreciate a special treat or two. To ensure that he enjoys it in the best of health, you’ll need to know what foods are good for him – and which ones aren't.

Good treats for a pet mouse include fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables are excellent choices, and you should offer your mouse small amounts of these nutrient-packed fresh foods every day. You'll have to experiment a little to find your pet's favorites, but peas, zucchini, carrots, cucumbers and bananas are good foods to start with. Wash all fresh foods well, and never give your furry friend anything that's old or spoiled. And remember, use small amounts! Your pet has a tiny tummy, and too many fruits and veggies can cause diarrhea.

Experts also recommend that you treat your mouse to a few healthy pinches of grains every day. His wild counterparts are mainly grain eaters, so pretty much anything goes in this department. Try cooked or raw rice, millet, barley and oats, or some flakes of non-sugared bran or oat cereal. A nibble of whole-grain bread is great, too. You may want to avoid wheat, which has been known to cause problems for some individuals.

Bad treats for a pet mouse

Stay away from chocolate, cabbage, corn, uncooked beans, onions, rhubarb, peanuts and wheat. We know that many mouse parents give their pets sunflower seeds, but take it easy on them, please! They're very high in fat, and too many can lead to obesity.

Even though you will have to avoid a few foods, there's quite a variety of treats for your pet. There are even some that do double duty as interactive playthings! Twigs and pieces of untreated tree branches will keep your pet's teeth worn down and give him something fun to do. Do not offer wood from cedar, apricot, cherry and peach trees, as they are toxic to rodents.